7/15/09

And they say they're getting healthier!!

I have a real issue with the drinks offered at McDonald's, they have NO options that are both caffeine and sugar free - none! But that's not really what this gripe is about....

But as a result I often just have water from there, which they have freely available if you go in and don't drive-through.

If you drive-through and just want drinks and ask for a water at our local McD's, they will only give you a small cup. We know this because the Hubster asked why he we could not get a 'large' water?

The answer "that's the size of cup we have to give you when you ask for just water".

Nice, real nice and so much for McDonald's trying to help us all with healthier choices. As we all know, they're only too keen to 'supersize' everything else they offer!

13 comments:

Sherri said...

I hear you!

smittenbybritain said...

Good god girl, we have to talk! My husband laughs at me because I throw such a fit about this. It was only a few months ago that I complained to the manager at our McDonald's that forcing bucket sized quantities of SWEET tea on consumers does not constitute an effort to be healthier, as McDonald's has recently bragged. I used to never have problems getting an unsweetened tea. It automatically came without sugar. Then they got that blasted sweet tea and now they give that to me automatically and I have to specifically say "NO SUGAR" because if I say unsweetened they miss the "un" part and give me sweet. Then they look at me cross-eyed when I say no to sweet- n- low or splenda. (They really do try their best to sell you crap don't they?)

Then there is the size which is an issue. I used to be able to order just a small unsweetened tea. Now, they automatically charge you a dollar and give you the bucket size, in fact, our McDonald's said they no longer sell the small size! So if you are trying to limit your caffeine intake, they make it more difficult by handing you this gigantic portion of caffeine and you have no other choice. And you're right, there are absolutely no caffeine free, calorie free options in restaurants other than water. I like water but sometimes you want something with some taste.

Another issue I had recently was with Arby's. I used to get their Market Fresh Chicken Salad Sandwich. It was at least fairly healthy as long as you split it between two days. Two weeks ago I was there and my sandwich was no longer on the menu. Not only that, they had only two salads on the menu, a drop from four or five Martha Stewart salads that used to be available. I told the manager, "Now you have nothing I like and I know it's not your fault, you just sell what Americans buy and Americans buy the crap!" His reply to me was "You got THAT right!"

So those of us who are trying to be healthy continue to have very few options when eating out and I think the problem is two-fold unfortunately. Companies are only trying to make a buck so of course they are going to sell what Americans buy but on the other hand if you don't offer it then you don't give Americans the opportunity to make the right choices. I think the answer is when I company provides healthier options we need to support it and buy it.

Pat said...

Water drinkers unite! We should each write to McConald's stating our case for good health - large cups for water.

Unknown said...

But then they would have to charge you for the cup! I helped out at a snack bar for a fund raising group once and believe me, counting cups was an issue on how much they were paid. Interesting! So why not just order TWO or THREE waters???

Daryl said...

I just will not eat at any of these places ... deep frying food and high calorie count AND bad coffee = avoidance at all costs

Nancy said...

I always know that McDonalds is not the place for healthy food. Fast food, maybe, but not healthy. I don't go there very often.

Unknown said...

Even if they're not known for being a healthy option, if they offer water you should be able to pay for a larger cup at least, should you choose to.

Smitten - we are so on the same page, the caffeine and sugar thing is something that really gripes me in many places, but esp. here.

Gaelyn said...

I haven't eaten at a McDonald's in so many years I've know idea what they serve anymore. Plus, I carry my own, better tasting water, everywhere I go. Never leave home without it.

Brenda B said...

The only way McDonalds is going to become healthy is if the entire world wide chain gets shut down! Take your own sarnies with you, carry your own water and down with all fast food!

Ahem, I'll get off my soap box now.

Flea said...

I now hate McDonalds. I don't know if you've seen my most recent rant, but I despise them.

Kay said...

Gosh! I haven't eaten at McDonalds in forever. The funny thing is, we've mostly eaten at McDonalds when we're on trips elsewhere.

Cat said...

I totally agree! I hate that there aren't a lot of options out there for us who are trying to watch our figures!

kerin said...

I totally will go with this. Vary hunky funky , for time pass.

cara


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